Opportunity House Announces Adrian Perez-Roman as New Director of S.M.I.L.E. Program
Reading, PA – April 29, 2025 — Opportunity House announced the appointment of Adrian Perez-Roman as the new Program Director of S.M.I.L.E. — Skills to Master Independent Living and Empowerment.
Adrian Perez-Roman Director of S.M.I.L.E. Program
A Reading native, Adrian brings a personal connection to the community he now serves. Raised in the Oakbrook neighborhood after being born in Puerto Rico, Adrian has witnessed firsthand the challenges facing the city, particularly homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles. These experiences have fueled his passion for community service and his commitment to creating pathways for healing and hope.
A graduate of Kutztown University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Adrian offers a bridge between cultures and communities, ensuring that language is never a barrier to the support people need.
“I have lived in Reading for the majority of my life and have seen the hardships our community faces,” said Perez-Roman. “Through family members and friends, I’ve witnessed how difficult it can be to overcome the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and unaddressed mental health issues.”
As the S.M.I.L.E program director, Adrian’s goals are to lead with compassion. “It’s not about telling people where to go; it’s about walking alongside them to figure out where they want to be — and how we can help them get there together,” he said.
The S.M.I.L.E. program provides life skills training, including budgeting and money management, conflict resolution, cooking, hygiene, tenant-landlord responsibilities, stress management, scam prevention, self-care, and problem-solving skills.
Adrian lives in Reading with his fiancée and their four children. He also serves as the current Berks County Poet Laureate, a role that reflects his creative spirit and passion for storytelling. Adrian uses poetry to inspire healing and empowerment — tools he plans to bring into his work with S.M.I.L.E.
About S.M.I.L.E.
The S.M.I.L.E. Program at Opportunity House stands for Skills to Master Independent Living and Empowerment. It provides individuals facing homelessness with the tools, support systems, and personal development opportunities they need to achieve lasting independence.
Bring Your Skills To S.M.I.L.E.
Opportunity House invites community members to share their skills, talents, and expertise as part ofthe S.M.I.L.E. program. Together, we can empower individuals to master new skills, build confidence, and achieve lasting independence.
Interested in sharing your skills? Contact Adrian Perez-Roman at aperez@opphouse.org or call 610-374-4696 ext 241.